The long-awaited sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic Beetlejuice is finally here with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (or Beetlejuice 2). This film takes viewers back to the whimsical and confusing world of the afterlife, where the unforgettable image of the mischievous spirit Beetlejuice (masterfully played by Michael Keaton) reigns. In the second part of the film, fans will be treated to an exciting combination of gothic humor, supernatural tricks and creative images that made the original film a beloved classic.
Plot: opening a portal to the afterlife
In the new part of the film, we follow three generations of the Dietz family, who return to the hauntingly familiar town of Winter River. After a family tragedy, Lydia Dietz (again played by Winona Ryder) finds herself once again in the clutches of Beetlejuice, this time accompanied by her daughter Astrid (played by Jenna Ortega). Things spiral out of control when Astrid inadvertently opens a portal to the afterlife, unleashing chaos on the worlds of the living and the dead. The stakes are higher than ever as Lydia must contend with both her mischievous nemesis and the commotion of the supernatural realms.
But as always, the key to Beetlejuice's return to the fray lies in the famous phrase: "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice."
Celebrating Beetlejuice with a new figure from Hot Toys
In celebration of the long-awaited return of Beetlejuice to the big screen, Hot Toys has released an incredibly detailed and carefully crafted 1/6 scale collectible figure based on the iconic character of Michael Keaton who played the lead role of Beetlejuice in the film. This new action figure serves as a tribute to the character's enduring popularity and unique style that made him an unforgettable figure in cinematic history.
The Hot Toys 1/6 Scale Beetlejuice Collectible Figure is a carefully crafted tribute to the return of the iconic character in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024). This action figure showcases the chaotic energy and eccentric style of Beetlejuice in stunning detail. The figure comes with two interchangeable heads, one with a neutral expression and the other with a whimsical, playful, exaggerated face from the iconic movie scene with a protruding tongue and eyes. Both head variants are equipped with a system of movable eyeballs, which adds an additional level of expressiveness.
Beetlejuice's wild, tousled hair is recreated using high-quality wool for an authentic untamed look. His meticulously tailored signature black and white striped suit is enhanced with weathering effects to give him a worn, lifeless appearance, perfectly reflecting his ghostly nature. To complete the ensemble, the figure includes his signature red socks, further enhancing the precision of his gaze.
In addition to the detailed design, the figure comes with a variety of accessories that are sure to delight fans of the "Beetlejuice" universe. These include a Handbook for the Recently Deceased, a newspaper about the afterlife, and a number of personal items, including a heart, a watch, a microphone, a nail file and a bracelet. These amusing details point to Beetlejuice's quirky habits and the film's darkly humorous tone.
The collectible action figure also includes multiple interchangeable hands, each with a different nail color to reflect the character's mischievous personality. As a final touch, the figure includes a diorama-style base depicting Beetlejuice's tombstone, providing a suitably creepy backdrop for the display.
Why "Beetlejuice" is a cult classic
The original "Beetlejuice" (1988) achieved cult status for many reasons. Director Tim Burton, known for his unique gothic style and darkly humorous storytelling, delivered a highly original story that focused on a recently deceased couple who hire a "bio-exorcist" to help rid their home of the living. With unforgettable performances from Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis, "Beetlejuice" struck a chord with audiences who appreciated its eccentric blend of horror, humor and heart.
For decades, Beetlejuice has remained a cultural touchstone, spawning a successful animated series, a Broadway musical, and now a major sequel. Its status as a cult classic is also bolstered by its memorable quotes ("It's show time!"), quirky yet likable characters, and creative visuals that still hold up today.
The legacy of "Beetlejuice" extends beyond its quirky humor and dark, whimsical aesthetic. It was one of the first mainstream films to explore the concept of life after death in such a playful and unconventional way. The film's depiction of the afterlife as a bureaucratic nightmare was both funny and thought-provoking, forcing viewers to ponder mortality and laugh at its absurdity.
Beetlejuice himself became an anti-hero that fans loved to hate — and couldn't resist loving. Michael Keaton's quirky performance, full of fast-paced jokes, mischievous antics and irreverent attitude, cemented his image as one of cinema's most memorable figures.
Now, with the release of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, fans of the original film will have a chance to see where the story goes, and a new generation of viewers will be introduced to the chaos and charm of the world of Beetlejuice.
Hot Toys' 1/6 scale collectible figure offers a tangible way to celebrate the return of the infamous ghost. Just be careful when you say his name - you might just summon him yourself!